California's mini Alps

profdant139 wrote:
Kind of tricky to drag a trailer into a Costco gas line -- it can be done, but it is not fun.

Specially in California where lines are a mile long.

You just got to endure the dagger looks of the ones behind you, lol.

It's not as tight to maneuver though as some other gas stations -- even the so-called trucks-RV friendly Pilots.

Kind of tricky to drag a trailer into a Costco gas line -- it can be done, but it is not fun.

Billinwoodland wrote:
Not to beat any business away from the Topaz Lodge, but about 20 miles north in Gardnerville there is a 7-11 that has the best gas prices in the area.

And Costco, lol.

Not to beat any business away from the Topaz Lodge, but about 20 miles north in Gardnerville there is a 7-11 that has the best gas prices in the area.

profdant139 wrote:
Ralph, be advised that the gas station in Bridgeport tacks on an extra dollar a gallon for the enjoyment of the view while you are fueling up -- this was taken on the Buckeye trail (legal for mountain bikes!), and the Sawtooth Ridge (behind me) is visible right from the gas pumps:


Click For Full-Size Image.

A few minutes after that shot was taken, we had to wade across a creek full of snowmelt, carrying our bikes. I went first --the water was almost waist-deep but not too fast. DW, who is only about 5 feet tall, stepped into the freezing water well above her waist and let out quite a loud and piercing yell: "Woo-hoo!!"

An instant later, a group of coyotes across the creek started howling in response to her!

That's funny.

Cheapest gas is in Bishop. One offers free dump too -- or with optional donation to some youth project. Further north and it starts to hit near $5 until you cross into Nevada state line.

Ramblin' Ralph wrote:
Great photo of the mountains!! Gotta pay what they want as far as gas. I seem to remember the resort at the Upper Twin is actually cheaper than town!

Lots of campground in the area. Cheap too (well, compared to Cali beach campgrounds).

Great photo of the mountains!! Gotta pay what they want as far as gas. I seem to remember the resort at the Upper Twin is actually cheaper than town!

Ralph, be advised that the gas station in Bridgeport tacks on an extra dollar a gallon for the enjoyment of the view while you are fueling up -- this was taken on the Buckeye trail (legal for mountain bikes!), and the Sawtooth Ridge (behind me) is visible right from the gas pumps:


Click For Full-Size Image.

A few minutes after that shot was taken, we had to wade across a creek full of snowmelt, carrying our bikes. I went first --the water was almost waist-deep but not too fast. DW, who is only about 5 feet tall, stepped into the freezing water well above her waist and let out quite a loud and piercing yell: "Woo-hoo!!"

An instant later, a group of coyotes across the creek started howling in response to her!

Camped near Bridgeport last week and regular gas was about $4.95.

profdant139 wrote:
Mini? Do you mean the Sierras? I've never been to the Alps, but lots of folks from Europe (who I run into in the Sierras!) have told me that the Sierras are pretty much as world-class as the Alps.

They are different -- the Alps and the Rockies are made of sedimentary and metamorphic rock, which is softer (and hence easier to carve into sharp shapes). The Sierras are a little rounder, because they are made of granite (which is harder for the glaciers to carve).

Admittedly, Mont Blanc is higher than Mt. Whitney, but the Sierras are pretty major hills.

When I hear Alps of the US I always think Ouray or Maroon Bells, used to spend a lot of time in the California Granite rocks till it just got to be unpleasant to drive in the State..

Needless to say all the Images you are so Kind to Share, of all those different rocks, are just Beautiful.

Thanks Again,